Weekly Policy Update: CBSA Opposes Expanded Prescription Drug Importation Program

Last week Senator Joann Ginal introduced Senate Bill 119, Expand Canadian Prescription Drug Import Program. The bill builds on legislation that was enacted last session, that directed the Dept. of Health Care Policy & Financing to submit a proposal to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to import prescription drugs from Canada. Senate bill 20-119 would allow the Department to expand the program to other nations beyond Canada, if permitted by federal law.

CBSA is opposed to this legislation because opening up the US drug supply chain would compromise safety and expose patients to counterfeit, adulterated or unapproved drugs that will lack oversight by any health authority. In addition, importing drugs from Canada or other nations would result in very little savings for consumers. The resources required to ensure the safety and efficacy of imported medicines would far outweigh any potential savings.

Read Senate Bill 119

Senate bill 119 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on February 13th. CBSA will testify in opposition.  

Throughout the session, CBSA will keep you updated on the bills impacting our community. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. We welcome your feedback. Contact CBSA Vice President Emily Roberts at Eroberts@cobioscience.com.

Categories: CBSA News